trophy watch: american hardware

Slam season? It’s ova! I’m out of my let’s-research-this mindset from writing forUSOpen.org after two glorious weeks with a great staff at the National Tennis Center, so I’ll give someone else a go at this stat: when was the last time a Slam included no “ova” winner? Barring one-half of the girls’ doubles winning team — that’d be Irina Khromacheva — and she’s an “eva,” so does she even count? For all I know it could have been the French this year, but it certainly seems like a shocker, no?!

The men’s tournament, in the end, wasn’t a shocker itself. Sure, it was shocking that Novak Djokovic for the second year in a row denied Roger Federer a shot at the title by saving match points (how ’bout that forehand?!), but in the end, it was a result that many in tennis expected: Djokovic defeatsRafael Nadal in the final. And what a final it was! Thanks for ending a semi-mediocre tournament with such a glorious match, fellas. ‘Til next time!

Sam-a-Slam: Let’s just talk about the tennis. Sam Stosurplayed lights-out ball for two sets against Serena Williams on Sunday night at the Open. For us it was reminiscent of the way Maria Sharapova pounded her way past Serena in the 2004 Wimbledon final. Sure, Stosur’s style is completely different that Maria’s, but the result was the same: she lost just five games against her heavily-favored opponent to win her maiden major. One can only wish that the Aussie will show up with similar form at her home slam come January.

Cindarella story. This one really was written in the you-can’t-make-it-up category. Melanie Oudin, two years ago the Open’s golden girl, had paired up with this year’s golden boy in Jack Sock, and the two just stormed through the mixed doubles draw. No, they didn’t smooch! But we sure wish they would have. More? Doubles and juniors after the cut!

Early, but not wrong. Liezel Huber may have thought that she and fellow American Lisa Raymond had won the Open a match sooner than they had, but they captured it on the next point — so we can’t make fun of her too much. But then when she really celebrated?! OK. Yes, we can make fun of her. And if you missed it — well, you should feel good about such a thing then.

The cheater slam? They may have cheated to have won it, but Philipp Petzschner and Jurgen Melzereasily took the Open against a Polish pair late on Saturday night. (Check in at 6:25 to see what we mean.)

Big upset No. 1? That’d be American Grace Min, unseeded, taking out the second seed in the opening round and the top seed in the final round — WTA Top 150 player Caroline Garcia — on her way to the championship. From the sidelines? Min has plenty of guile, speed and smarts, but lacks in power. Interesting to see if she can take a step up to the ladies’ tour.